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The loss of Ribfest in July is a "bummer'' but may spark more people to volunteer and get involved in community activities, says Andrew Thiel.

Thiel, chair of the Downtown Chatham Business Improvement Association, said he appreciates the large amount of time and energy the event required from the small membership of the Chatham Sunrise Rotary Club.

"It's too bad to see the event cancelled this year because it was a fun event and a large draw for downtown Chatham,'' he said. "But I don't blame the club for the decision.''

Thiel is hoping more people and groups will get involved and offer to assist the Sunrise Rotary Club with the event in 2014.

"The Sunrise Rotary Club does a great deal for the community,'' he said. "The club has and continues to make Chatham-Kent a great place to live, work and play.''

Thiel said the $50,000 the club made available to the Chatham-Kent Family YMCA is huge achievement in itself.

Club president Greg Kett said Friday the organization will continue its activities for youth including ringette, soccer, youth exchange and school clubs.

"We are always involved in an international participation for clean water and the eradication of polio,'' he said.

The club's Roses for Rotary program is slated for April 10.

Other projects in which the club is involved is literacy, Rotary trails, daffodil plantings, bike racks and flag poles.

Kett acknowledged that Ribfest had become a popular way for many families to celebrate the first full weekend of July with great music, lots of open space and great ribs.

"We sincerely appreciate the community support that all four Ribfests have received,'' he said. "We could not have had such a great experience without public support.”